20 Most Recent 1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette - Page 4 Questions & Answers

Has it just started with cold weather? Does it squeal at first then as the engine is revved, stop squealing.

If so its probably your alternator belt has worked loose and needs tightening. I'd check this out first, if you've not done it before ask a friend with some know how for guidance. But as a guide, there should be about an inch of give when flexed on the longest run between 2 pulleys, if more then probably needs tightening. If more than a couple of years old, replace with a new one.

If it still squeals after tightening/replacing, you could have a faulty water pump bearing or pulley bearing. Either would require replacement to pre-empt catastrophic failure and resultant engine damage.

Just saw your second posting, so the temp is still above normal. Could the sensor that controls the fan be not reading the heat properly ? The antifreeze/coolant issue could still be relevant, so I will re-post that info. Tho.Electric cooling fans will sometimes come on after a vehicle is parked,(It actually heats up when stopped), but not when it is rolling down the road because the movement is applying some cooling effect to the engine.\If the engine is not actually overheating, then the fans may be working normally. Also, make sure your water/antifreeze mix is correct by using a specific gravity tester. It is a tube with 4 or 5 balls, some of which will float to give you a reading. Contrary to popular belief, More is not better when it comes to antifreeze/coolant. It needs water to work properly. Too strong a mix will actually make your vehicle run cold so that the temp sensors and heater will not function properly. The engine will not achieve proper operating temperature and may actually damage some of the components by running it cold, affect timing, spark, etc. This could also cause the symptoms you describe. The engine would not actually reach the proper heat threshold until you added the extra demand of the AC heat transfer. But the first criteria would be whether the engine is actually overheating / or in normal range .It may be that the colder weather is allowing the sensors to come on a little later, warming the engine and heater components a bit more than they would in warmer weather. Would be good to know what the actual coolant temp is. Could check that with a guage, and also check to see what temp thermostat you are using. 195 degrees in the winter would be better, 165/180 or so in the warmer months

Temp switch for what ?The sending unit for the gauge is on the intake manifold.

This website is the stupidest site I have ever seen to get answers from. You NEVER get a sane answer to your question. This site should be banned for being a big fat waste of time.

from under the car. its a little tricky but can be done one at a time. removing the wires and putting them back on was the hard part.

follow the steps and fix it. God bless you

1. • 1 Enter the passenger side of the vehicle and look under the dashboard, beneath the glove box and near the floor mat. With the aid of a flashlight, locate a large panel, which is held in place by screws. Unscrew the panel manually or use a screwdriver if the screws are too tight.
   • 2 Locate the fuse panel. The panel houses long rows of fuses mounted to the panel. Consult the vehicle's owner manual to determine which of the fuses controls the automatic doors
   • 3 Remove the fuse that controls the automatic doors with a pair of fuse pliers, or carefully with a pair of regular pliers. Examine the fuse by shining the flashlight close against it. If the metal bar inside the fuse is broken, the fuse has been blown.
   • 4 Replace the blown fuse with a fuse of equal amperage. Push the new fuse in place, confirming it is a snug fit.
   • 5 Test the automatic doors before screwing the fuse panel cover back in place. If the doors close automatically after you manually give them a tug, the problem was the blown fuse. Replace the fuse panel cover under the glove box.
   • 6 Test the automatic doors with your remote control. If they do not open or close, the problem is with the remote. Pop the rear cover off of the remote with a screwdriver and replace the battery.

Under the car at the bottom of the block.

It may be removed out the bottom.

The fuel pump is powered by a relay and a fuse. No circuit breakers.The relay and fuse should be in the fuse box in the engine compartment.

The filter should be in the fuel line under the van. One side is threaded and the other uses a plastic clip to release.Make sure you release fuel pressure before disconnecting the lines.

87 octane will be good enough. stay away from anything with more than 10% ethanol.

Alway worry about the head gasket. Run it if you fell water running threw the lines(check all of them)it may not be the pump. Check water levels. If you fell water running and dont see water on the ground check to see if the fan is kicking on. You may just have to do a heavy flush. Now it if the temp is running cooler but still hot you have to replace the thermostat again the wax after it over heats breaks down. If its still running hot there go to your parts store and rent a code meter. It helps some times Good luck

Look at the hoses coming from the radiator, the bottom large hose connects to the water pump.

locating the thermostat housing there will be a thick hose from radiator to some where on cylinder head this will be the housing where you will find the thermostat undo the bolts take out old thermostat then reverse to put back